Locals call the bridge Baghpool, meaning tiger bridge, because of the two lion statues (bagh actually means tiger) at one entrance of the bridge. John Chambers, the last British executive Engineer of the Darjeeling Division Public Works Department (PWD), carried out the design, drawing and planning of the bridge. Messrs J.C. Gammon, from Bombay, was the contractor. The bridge was built on the Reinforced Concrete system. Since it was not possible to obtain support from the Teesta river bed due to the depth and current of water, the entire bridge was supported by a fixed arch, which had its two ends fixed on rock layers on either side of the river. "Given its architectural and historical value, the bridge should be declared a heritage site. Traffic should be regulated and maintenance work carried out properly," Bagchi[who?] said.

In April 2013 49-year-old Sailendra Nath Roy died trying to cross the Teesta canyon directly near the bridge only being attached to a steel cable by his head of hair.